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Serie A returns with Juventus hosting Sampdoria and Lazio taking on Cagliari

Tommaso Rocchi is set to make his Inter Milan debut at Udinese on Sunday, when Serie A leaders Juventus host Sampdoria.

Last Updated: 04/01/13 7:32am

Tommaso Rocchi: Has joined Inter Milan

Rocchi will embark on his Inter career this weekend with a clear aim in mind - to finish above former employers Lazio in the table.

The former Biancocelesti captain made the switch to the San Siro this week after becoming frustrated with a lack of first-team opportunities.

And with a nine-point deficit to Juve, he is focused on helping his new side into second place - they are currently third, trailing Lazio by a point ahead of Sunday's early clash away to Udinese.

"We'll be second in front of Lazio," Rocchi predicted on Sky Italia, before revealing his unhappiness prior to the move.

"In Rome, I was nothing but the deputy to (Miroslav) Klose," he said. "I was no longer considered for the team. I've already talked with (Inter coach Andrea) Stramaccioni about it, I will always put myself at his disposal ready for action."

Lazio host Cagliari on Saturday night before Juve take on Sampdoria on Sunday.

The Bianconeri will be weakened by the absence of defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Stephan Lichtsteiner, midfielders Kwadwo Asamoah and Simone Pepe and striker Nicklas Bendtner.

The defensive position, at least, could be strengthened with Atalanta's Federico Peluso expected to sign before the weekend - while the club are also looking to develop their squad in the longer term by opening talks with Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente over a summer move.

The Spain international is out of contract at the end of the season and a Bilbao statement read: "Juventus Football Club informed Athletic Club on January 3 that, knowing Fernando Llorente will end his stint at our club on June 30, 2013, they will begin negotiations with the player to incorporate him into their squad."

High-flying Fiorentina take on Pescara while the teams occupying fifth and sixth positions, Napoli and Roma, meet in Naples.

The hosts have been linked with Siena pair Emanuele Calaio and Neto, with Siena president Massimo Mezzaroma warning them they will have to pay a hefty fee.

"Calaio to Napoli? Emanuele is a key player for us and we know it," he told ANSA.

"We must meet the needs of Siena. Of course, to deprive us of Calaio, Napoli must pay the best price."

Roma would move ahead of their opponents with a victory and defender Nicolas Burdisso has called on them to improve their consistency after a first half of the campaign which brought 10 wins but also six defeats.

"In 2013 we must achieve continuity, that's the main thing." he told ANSA.

Siena - who are also prepared to listen to offers for Marcelo Larrondo, while sporting director Stefano Antonelli confirmed to Sky Italia his interest in Inter's Croatian striker Marko Livaja - travel to AC Milan on Sunday.

Milan are also at the centre of transfer discussions, with Alexandre Pato set to join Brazilian side Corinthians for a reported 15million euros (£12.2m) - much of which could be immediately reinvested in Anderlecht's Lucas Biglia.

The midfielder has been linked with the Rossoneri and his agent Enzo Montepaone told Tuttomercatoweb: "Lucas Biglia will leave Anderlecht in this transfer window. The boy would very willingly play in Italy."

Sunday's other games see Atalanta travel to Chievo while Genoa host Bologna and Parma face Palermo. Catania and Torino meet on Saturday.